(Japanese - Born : 13 March, 1960) Entered Ralliart Co. Ltd. After graduating from high school. Made his competition debut in 1979 and since that time has competed in various World Cup for Cross Country Rallies (Australian Safari, Atlas Rally, etc.), often ending up on the podium at the finish. Is also a Mitsubishi Motors Corporation vehicle development test driver and "safety driving" instructor. Not only has he twice won the T2 category of the Paris-Dakar in a Pajero/Montero, he also took sixth place outright in the 1996 event in an RVR and to top off this fantastic record he has come 4th outright two years running (1997 and 1998) in a Mitsubishi Pajero Sport / Montero Sport. He has demonstrated that he is one of the very few Japanese drivers who can compete at the worldÕs top level.

Recent results :
1985	Australian Safari	3rd overall
1986	Australian Safari	2nd overall
	Atlas Rally	2nd overall
1990	Paris - Dakar	10th overall
1992	Paris - Cape Town	20th overall
1994	Paris-Dakar	1st overall
1995	Granada-Dakar	4th overall
1996	Granada-Dakar	6th overall
	UAE Desert Challenge	4th overall
1997	Dakar-Agades-Dakar	4th overall
1998	Paris-Granada-Dakar	4th overall
1999	Granada-Dakar	6th overall